Dear Scorpius,

Happy Birthday, my sweet boy. You are three hours old. Your daddy and I have waited for you for so very long. And now that we have you, we feel so blessed. You are our miracle.

You will never know the pain and disappointment we went through to have you. Daddy and I have been married six years now, and we have been trying since our honeymoon to get pregnant. We have lost four of your siblings over that time. I miscarried three times. I do not know if they were sons or daughters. My second pregnancy though was your older brother, Orion. He was delivered six weeks prematurely, but never took a breath.

I do not know if we will be able to give you a brother or sister. The healers say it would endanger both mine and the baby's life, if I were to get pregnant again. As I said before, you are our miracle. And a second miracle is probably too much to ask for.

As I am writing this, you are asleep on your daddy's chest next to me. Just as soon as the healers and medi-witches left us, your daddy enlarged my bed so there is enough room for the three of us. He says daddy needs cuddle time with you and mummy. You look so much like him. Pale blonde hair, silver grey eyes, that pointed chin. You even have his long, elegant fingers. It is like I had nothing to do with your conception. But it is okay that you look like him because your daddy is the most handsome man I have ever known. And you, my beautiful boy, will grow up to be just as handsome.

I am going to tell you a secret about your daddy. He has a very big, very soft heart when it comes to his family. He does not want anyone to know that either. It will be our secret. There may be times when he seems hard or cold. And you may see anger or disappointment in him, but never forget he loves us more than anything in this world. And he would walk through the fires of hell to keep us safe and happy. He just does not always show the softer side of himself, but it is there if you know to look for it. And he is getting better at letting people see that side.

As you grow up, you will hear stories about your father. And your grandfather. Hopefully, by the time you read this letter when you are seventeen, we will have already explained everything to you. But if not, just remember that not every story you hear is true and even the true stories have elements that are exaggerated. Remember that people make the best decisions they can at the time, and no one has the right to judge others for their decisions unless they have walked in their shoes.

You have a wonderful life ahead of you. Filled with love and joy and laughter. You will grow up in a better world that the one we were born into. Our friends and extended family fought hard to make this world a more peaceful place to hand down to your generation. While I know everything is not perfect, my hope is that by the time you come of age, we will have raised you to stand up and fight for what is right and good. So that this world remains a peaceful place, worthy of handing down to your children.

I must close this letter now. You are starting to stir, so it must be time to feed my hungry boy again.

Have a good life, Scorpius. And always remember your mother and father love you immeasurably.

Always,

Your Mother